The abuse can occur within football clubs, academies, or other football-related organisations, and may involve coaches, staff members, or other individuals in positions of authority.
Several high-profile cases have brought attention to the issue and led to investigations, legal actions, and calls for better safeguarding measures within football.
These measures include enhanced background checks for coaches and staff, the establishment of clear codes of conduct and reporting mechanisms, and mandatory safeguarding training for those involved in youth football.
Additionally, independent inquiries and investigations have been conducted to uncover the extent of child abuse in football and to provide recommendations for improved safeguarding practices.
[23] The anticipation of shame and stigma can be even more pronounced in certain communities or cultural contexts where discussing sensitive topics like child abuse is considered taboo or where there is a lack of awareness and understanding about the issue.
[27] The research, funded by the European Union, highlighted that abuse is common in non-school sports was psychological, such as a lack of recognition to humiliating treatment.
[27][28] Mike Hartill, the lead author of the report from Edge Hill University, emphasised that the findings indicate insufficient efforts by sports governing bodies in Europe to protect children and call for more significant actions beyond mere policy development.
These resources outline steps that football organisations should take to establish safeguarding policies, develop procedures and guidelines, and communicate and educate stakeholders about child protection.
This manual seeks to ensure the protection of children and vulnerable adults engaged in sports activities in Africa, offering essential insights and resources for professionals working in this field.
[38] The Italian Football Federation (FIGC), UEFA, and Terre des Hommes Italy have actively participated in delivering educational programs to safeguard children and young people from abuse, violence, and discrimination.
[41] The Greek government has recognised the need for tougher laws to combat sexual abuse and protect minors, as a response to the increasing number of scandals in culture and sport.
[42][43] Programs and initiatives, such as those carried out by Terre des hommes, aim to consolidate policies and protocols in sports and recreation settings, including summer camps, to protect children and prevent abuse.
[49] Also, Sayed Aghazada, a former Afghan football official, received a five-year ban for his failure to report and prevent the sexual abuse of female players.
[53] The Argentine Football Association has vowed to closely monitor boarding houses where youth players live following the scandal involving minors at River Plate and Independiente.
[56] One notable case involved a paedophile coach named Darrell Ray, who ran the Saints team for several seasons and abused many players.
[61] FIFA's ethics committee has imposed a temporary suspension of five months on Jonathan Bukabakwa, a former football coach, in response to accusations of sexual abuse involving underage individuals.
[66][67] Serge Mombo, a well-known football official in Gabon, has faced allegations of sexually exploiting young players and using sex as a prerequisite for securing positions in national teams.
[80] The General Prosecutor of the King at the Court of Appeal of Settat gave instructions to investigate a case of sexual harassment against a child in a junior football club in Youssoufia Berrechid.
[81] Described by the BBC as the largest sexual abuse case in Norway, a 26-year-old man football referee, has been the subject of a years-long investigation and faces charges involving more than 300 boys.
The victims, primarily targeted through online interactions in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, were lured by the man who posed as a girl on chat forums.
[85] In another case, a prison sentence of 3 years and a fine of 1,000 Sudanese pound, and non-payment of imprisonment for two months, for an accused coach who molested two children in Al-Shajara, Khartoum.
The FA initiated an independent investigation led by barrister Clive Sheldon QC to examine historical cases of child sexual abuse.
The Sheldon review found significant shortcomings and failures to act appropriately on reports and suspicions of abuse within the football community.
[103] In response to this, the FA, Premier League, and leading clubs issued formal apologies and recognised the need for improved child protection measures.
[104] Furthermore, in 2021, Icelandic professional footballer Gylfi Sigurðsson has been under investigation by Greater Manchester Police in the UK on suspicion of sexual child abuse.
[110] The legal action follows the imprisonment of individuals associated with Celtic Boys Club, such as Jim McCafferty,[111] Frank Cairney, and James Torbett.
Celtic FC's CEO, Peter Lawwell, has defended the club's actions, stating that they have conducted their own investigations through an independent lawyer due to legal constraints.
[113] Ahead of a 'class action' court hearing scheduled for October, in September 2023 Celtic FC began negotiations to settle legal claims of historical abuse brought by more than 20 former players.
[114] Malcolm Rodger, a former youth footballer, revealed he was sexually abused by convicted paedophile Barry Bennell[115][116] after being trafficked from Scotland to England.
In addition to the previous allegations, a teammate has reportedly disclosed that she was subjected to sexual abuse by coach Kenneth Zseremeta since the age of 14.